Russia Imposes Fuel Rationing Amid Ukrainian Refinery Drone Strikes

The Federal Government of Russia has implemented widespread fuel rationing and extended export bans on gasoline and diesel through January 2027 to combat a severe domestic energy crisis. The shortage, which accelerated in May and peaked in August 2026, was driven by high seasonal demand and a sustained Ukrainian drone campaign that damaged approximately 54% of national refining capacity. By August 20, nationwide petrol availability dropped to 28%, with domestic oil production hitting its lowest level since May 2000.

In Moscow, major oil companies including Gazprom Neft, Tatneft, and Rosneft reimposed purchase limits ranging from 30 to 60 liters per vehicle. Some regions, such as Orenburg and Lipetsk, reinstated rationing based on license plate numbers. To stabilize supplies, the government permitted the use of low-grade Euro-2 fuel and began importing petroleum products from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Morocco, India, and Azerbaijan.

While President Vladimir Putin characterized the situation as non-critical, the crisis has sparked civil unrest. Authorities have detained residents in Volgograd and Perm for publicly complaining about shortages and filming appeals to the Investigative Committee of Russia. The Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia has opened 41 cases against oil companies for price violations. The instability has also affected Central Asia, prompting Kazakhstan to tighten market controls and Kyrgyzstan to seek fuel supplies from China.